Over the last 7 years I started experimenting with different styles of art. I create art that is fine art, illustrative, and whimsical. The whimsical art seems to sell better during these hard times in the economy. I really appreciate the positive responses that I have received from my clients to the simplistic style of my art. The Church Lady Series is an example of that style. I created this series about 7 years ago when I was producing my own greeting card line. As usual I was never able to get the line picked up by a major company. I started printing and producing the cards myself. My biggest client was my mother Louise Dillard who went home with the Lord. My father Robert Dillard who also went home to heaven, enjoyed the cards.
I wanted to produce a line of whimsical art that showed women who were different shapes, heights, and shades. I started with a small watercolor design of women praising God in a line. My faith is key to a lot of the art I created. I am an unchurched Christian with a strong faith. I try really hard to be the church in how I handle life and people.
That’s a story for another day. I have been very disappointed with the church, but not Jesus. So this series is my way of preaching love, strength, and beauty to women. The women are African American, but there is a sense of humanity in my art that goes beyond color. It is about unity, faith, and happiness. I was told once by my mentor Thomas Blackshear to always create art that is beautiful. I lived in Colorado Springs many years ago. I met Thomas when I worked at an art supply store. We became friends. He mentored me for about two years. He became a dear friend. His encouragement in doing what God has called me to do has helped me a lot.
A few months ago two of the Church Lady designs were purchased by Ohio State University’s diversity program. The art was used in support of Black Women Breast Cancer survivors. It is a real honor to know my art is helping a great cause. Many years ago I hand painted Tea Pots for a Black Women’s Breast Cancer Survivor group in Cincinnati, Ohio. I have a new line called Pink Diva artwork I am working on to really impact the cause of Black Women Breast Cancer Survivors. I hope the series continues to inspire and help heal those who have come through such medial difficulties.
This series is still growing with more illustrations to be added. I have had great responses from the public online about the series, so I hope to develop it more. Church Lady is a vibrant colorful whimsical expression of the pain, joy, faith, and encouragement to keep your the hopes high every day. Hope you enjoy this short slide show of some of the artworks from the series! I am working on a Church Lady Book for the Fall 2011. More to come!
To Buy prints go to Fine Art America, click below! Great lo prices
Komen House in Columbus Using Art:
Grantee Spotlight
In an effort to reduce the health disparity in breast cancer among African American women, the Sister Screen Saver program through the James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University, aims to provide on-site mobile mammography screening services at local community churches and use culturally tailored information to educate African American women about breast cancer prevention and early detection. Learn more »
Komen House in Columbus Using Art:
Grantee Spotlight
In an effort to reduce the health disparity in breast cancer among African American women, the Sister Screen Saver program through the James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University, aims to provide on-site mobile mammography screening services at local community churches and use culturally tailored information to educate African American women about breast cancer prevention and early detection. Learn more »
I love the message this says for all women who have gone thru breast cancer, those who made it and those who have passed on. I love how you have painted the freedom and joy of these women. Wish I had been the artist on this. You did a great job!! I do watercolors and have just started painting people and my first has been the freedom of some Afro women from their back breaking chores and their liberation in the way they are able to dress in the ethnicity of their clothes with freedom and happiness. Was very difficult for me as I have never painted people before. My hat off to you for such a freeing piece of artwork. Do you have any prints for sale?
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